The human body is rife with microbes. Some are pathogens invading with malicious intent while
others are welcomed for their symbiotic contribution to overall wellbeing. Irrespective of
intentions however both parties of microbes could be enhancing neoplastic progression and
fostering tumor development in various anatomical regions. In this special issue of
Pathobiology a select group of multidisciplinary experts present the potential effects of
microbes and microbiota on human innate immunology the induction of beneficial inflammatory
response and their possible contribution to carcinogenesis. In doing so they further emphasize
the necessity of such investigations and expand the existing discussion on immune system
efficiency and the influence of microbiota in cancer development. This collection places a
special focus on the frequently challenging digestive system beginning with carcinomas in the
oral cavity the study progressively descends the digestive tract to investigate carcinomas of
the stomach and concludes this journey by examining the crucial participation of Fusobacterium
in intestinal carcinogenesis. Further articles investigate the part microbiomes of the
respiratory tract play on pulmonary carcinogenesis as well as the multiparty participation of
female genital tract microbiomes and human papillomavirus in the development of cervical
carcinoma. Given the multidisciplinary nature of this special issue experts from diverse
fields of research will find value in the chance to view familiar topics through a novel
pathobiological lens.
